Metting of the Ambassador with the Minister of Agriculture

On 26 October, 2015, the French Ambassador, HE Mrs Anne de la Blache, paid a courtesy call to the Minister of Agriculture, Mr Patrick Pule Ralotsia.

The Minister and the Ambassador discussed partnership opportunities including research for the improvement of breeding and livestock techniques and tropical agriculture and agro-food. In both these fields, France has a huge expertise and is ready to share it with Botswana. It is of the utmost importance that our countries should prepare now to address tomorrow’s challenges.

The impact of climate change on the development of the SADC region was also discussed. The consequences of the drought on countries like Botswana are a serious matter of concern. The importance of the upcoming COP 21 was underlined.

Indeed, by its multifunctional nature, agriculture is key to the development of a green economy for sustainable development and the elimination of poverty.
As was recently said by the French Minister of Agriculture, Agribusiness and Forestry, Stéphane Le Foll : «Agroecology is a sustainable choice for agriculture.
This is a fundamental shift».